Major Shake-Up in Pakistan’s Government with New Appointments
- Sara Habib
- February 28, 2025
- 3:52 pm
- 67
- Current Affairs
Pakistan’s cabinet has seen a major expansion. Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has appointed new advisors and ministers. This move reshapes the government’s leadership.
New Advisors to the PM
Three key figures have been appointed as advisors to the PM. Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Pervez Khattak, ex-Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Muhammad Ali, and senior bureaucrat Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah now hold advisory roles. The Cabinet Division issued a notification confirming their appointments with the status of federal ministers.
Muhammad Ali’s New Role
Muhammad Ali, previously a Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM), has been promoted. With this new position, he no longer holds his SAPM office. This change marks a shift in responsibilities.
Federal Ministers Appointed
The government has also appointed 12 new federal ministers. Notable names include Hanif Abbasi, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Sardar Yousuf, Rana Mubasher, Raza Hayat Hiraj, Junaid Anwar, Shaza Fatima, and Moin Wattoo from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Mustafa Kamal from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Khalid Magsi from the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and independent leader Aurangzeb Khichi have also joined the cabinet.
New Ministers of State
Nine new ministers of state have been inducted. Key figures include Aun Chaudhry from Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and PML-N members Barrister Aqeel, Malik Rashid, Talal Chaudhry, Abdul Rehman Kanju, Bilal Azhar Kayani, Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, Wajih Qamar, and Khel Das.
Special Assistants Added
PM Shehbaz Sharif has appointed four new Special Assistants. Haroon Akhtar, Huzaifa Rehman, Talha Barki, and recently expelled PTI Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Mubarak Zeb have been added.
PTI Expulsions
Mubarak Zeb was among four PTI lawmakers expelled for violating party rules. They supported the 26th Amendment, going against party directives. PTI’s Additional Secretary General Firdous Shamim Naqvi confirmed this decision. Others expelled include Amanullah Khichi, Zahoor Qureshi, and Usman Ali.
Cabinet Growth Despite Austerity Pledge
The expansion raises questions about the government’s austerity claims. Before these additions, the cabinet had 21 members, including 18 ministers, two ministers of state, and one advisor. Now, the government has grown significantly.
Recent National Events
Shortly after this expansion, President Asif Ali Zardari awarded the Nishan-i-Pakistan to Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The new ministers took their oath at the Presidency on the same day.
Dawn News for political updates.
Pakistan Government Official Website for cabinet details.
